Improve Your Skills With These Basic Photography Lighting Ideas

Giving adequate provision to lighting your shoots can increase the value of your pictures significantly. The art of the photographer is not so much in selection of the location and the subject, but more regards how they are lit; it is light that creates your photo for you. By applying these basic photography lighting tips to your work, improvements should be seen immediately.

The most basic of all photography lighting tips is in the layout of all light sources. Light should come from three independent sources, which in the industry is known as triangulation. The first is the key light which should be positioned behind you. Second of these is the backlight which should be positioned behind the subject. Third amongst these, are your fill lights which in essence can be placed anywhere. These are used to shine light onto the subject, to both reduce shadowing and create depth and perspective.

Shooting inside is markedly different from being outside. If you are shooting in direct sunlight, this should take the form of your key light, (it is unlikely you will find a more powerful light source!). If however it is a dull day, you can use the sun for backlighting and fill lighting. Night time shooting indoors will require an understanding of how all light sources work together, before you can decide how to move forward.

Your craft as a photographer is to control the light and shadow, and how it falls onto your subject. These are controlled by the fill lights, which are all too often set too bright. Be sure to check this again and again, to ensure you do get a washed out image.

It is important that the key light be the brightest light, as it is from this light that you can work with the others. Backlights and fill lights should be dimmer, and all lights should be easily controlled by you. As discussed outdoor lighting needs to be ruled by the sun; so do be prepared to move with the Earth.

Balancing the light not only creates atmosphere of course, but also creates a sense of dimension for viewers of your image. This is achieved through getting the balance of light right.

The is challenge is particularly great through the middle of summer and in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. The way the sun falls onto a subject, will create a dappled effect as it hits the body structure. Setting your fill lights low and sporadically will counter this.

If you can, work in what is known as the "golden hour" either one hour after sunset or an hour before sunrise. The light is softer, creates stunning light effects itself and gives a sense of life to the image.

The flash is also important, even in professional photography. As a fill light, some excellent looks can be achieved. Do be careful to ensure there is enough ambient light on the subject though, to avoid wash out and red eye.

These basic photography lighting tips will enhance you in your profession, and will bring you in touch with further lighting skills that you should embrace. Happy framing!